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Sunday, June 29, 2014

Expo Tips

I know a great many of you like to attend Expos and book fairs, not just to enjoy the event itself, but also to promote your own work. It's something I'd certainly love to get the opportunity to do if they had that kind of thing, way over here in Greece, but...as it is...all I can do is stare across the ocean in envy, stick my bottom lip out, and sulk.

Anyway, for those of you who are able to enjoy the luxury of an Expo or two, I came across an excellent little article on the Writers Network, that you might find useful. It was written by a guy called, Ron Knight, who made some excellent suggestions as to what we could all do to make our work stand out that little bit more, and especially if you actually get to attend these events.

Here it is...see what you think.

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I just attended a book fair in Venice, Florida that had 56
authors selling their books. Here are some things I noticed:

1~ About 20% of the authors were sitting. The problem with
that is it makes the author look like they aren’t passionate about sharing
their story. Of those 20%, only half stood up when I spoke to them. This is a
big mistake if you want to sell books.

TIP: It can be
exhausting, but you must stand and greet each potential reader. You only have a
few seconds to make an impression.

2~ Only 2 authors stood in front of their table, rather than
behind the table. It probably wasn’t a coincidence that I spent a few extra
minutes listening to those 2 authors pitch their books.

TIP: Standing to
the front/left or front/right of the table shows confidence in what you’re
doing and you will engage in more conversations.

3~ Only 50% of the authors had either a bookmark, or
business card with their contact information. Of those, 20% had cheap looking
bookmarks or business cards that they obviously copied off their printer and
cut out.

TIP: Most people
will collect bookmarks and decide later on which books to purchase. This is
essential for every author to have. Of those that had bookmarks or business
cards, only 20% provided an email address. For some reason authors aren’t
including their email addresses, but I’m not sure why.

TIP: You never
know who will be stopping at your table. It’s important to have all of your
contact information provided on a professional bookmark, or business card,
which includes all of your links AND your email address.

4~ Only 2 authors provided an extra activity to do at their
table.

TIP: If you
provide some sort of simple game where you can win a free prize, this will
build a crowd around your table and keep people near you longer.

5~ Only 1 author gave away a free pencil. (On that pencil
was their book title and website.)

TIP: If you give
away a pencil, or some sort of small prize, it will be a promotion that lasts
even longer than a bookmark.

6~ Only 10% of authors pitched me on their books in less
than 25 words.

TIP: The most
difficult thing for authors to do is pitch their novel in one sentence, but
it’s critical to have that pitch ready. Perhaps you can pitch your book the
same as the film industry pitches a new movie. “My book is like Die Hard
on a bus!” Or, “My book is Blade Runner meets Field of Dreams.”

7~ ZERO authors gave away an excerpt of their book.

TIP: Even if you
sat down behind your table, didn’t give away bookmarks or business cards,
didn’t provide an extra activity or handout free items, or didn’t pitch your
book, there is one slam dunk way to get anyone excited about your story…give
them an example.

Professional Excerpt Tips:

8~ On the top left corner provide a black and white photo of
your book cover, or some sort of image that relates to your book.

9~ Provide the first chapter of your book, or whatever fits
on a 9×11 sheet. On the back, (Or if you have room on the bottom front page)
provide your links and email address.

Your story is amazing, so people will purchase your book
before leaving the event, or purchase your book using one of your links.
There’s no better pitch than your writing.

For example, if you write teen books, provide 10 tips on
how to survive high school. If you write inspirational books, provide 10 tips
on starting off the day with a positive attitude.

10~ Zero authors sold something other than their book.

TIP: The book
fair was outside in Venice, Florida. If an author sold waters for a dollar,
they would have made a killing. Also, authors should sell wristbands for a buck
that have the title of their book, or a catchy phrase based on their story.

Your book is the gateway to all kinds of success, but it
starts with YOU…

Ron Knight

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I don't know about you, but I found some of Ron's advice intriguing. I've done small publicity events here in Greece...and I don't know if it was the informality of the affair that helped...but thankfully, I naturally did some of what he suggested. I stood round on the other side of the desk. I socialized. Had a little competition, had cards and flyers made, etc.

But other aspects?Having a one sentence blurb prepared? Fantastic!Having excerpts of your book - or even a print out of your 1st chapter? Canny idea!

Other little gimmicks with the title or the emblem of your book?

Look at this.

My regular readers will know what these two symbols represent. Imagine if I had then transposed - as he suggested - onto wristbands, magnets, pens etc. Simple and effective.

I think I'm going to start doing this...and tell you how it goes. :)

That's all for now. I hope YOU found something within this item that might prove useful.

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Poetry Acceptance

Hello again,

I'm proud to announce the latest release from Shoe Music Press,

Penny Ante Feud 14 - The Fires of the Earth / The Dying Word.

Penny Ante Feud is a quality press who only accept one - just one - submission from each of the applicants who strive to encapsulate their thoughts and emotions in a way that describes this most desperate and perfect act.

I am delighted to say, my submission, Virtual Reality, will be part of this thought provoking collection.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Kiss of the Succubus - Prize Giveaway Winners.

Well, my Buy the Book Tour is over, and so is the period for entering the grand giveaway for the great prize pack below.

In all, there were just under a thousand entries. A couple of hundred on Rafflecopter, and, the rest by way of messages to my FB page.(That's why I've been a little slow in announcing the winners - it took a long time to separate the entrants from all the other messages).

Thank you so much to all those who were kind enough to enter and make this event so special.

My wife, Annette, acted as the adjudicator, and I'm pleased to announce that the

1st place winner of all of the items shown above

(Which include signed copies of Rage of Augustus AND Kiss of the Succubus)

is:Lori Franklin Hopkins

Congratulations Lori, a message is on its way today to arrange your prize pack.

Runners-up

and recipients of an eBook version of either Rage of Augustus, or Kiss of the Succubus,

(Your Choice)

Joseph Hawkshaw

&Alice Robertson Clary

Very well done to Joseph and Alice. Likewise, a message is on its way to you to make arrangements to collect your eBooks.

****

To those of you who missed out this time, don't worry.

Another giveaway will be running later in the year in conjunction with the release of

Fallen Angels - Book 3 of the Guardian Series

AND

For lovers of the Cambion Journals...don't worry, the third instalment of this dark tale,

Remember, the Grand Prize Giveaway runs until Monday morning (23rd), so seize the opportunity to grab a last minute chance to be a Winner.

1st Prize is a signed copy of Kiss of the Succubus, along with all the goodies shown in the picture above.

There will also be two runners-up prizes of an ebook version of either Rage of Augustus (Book 1 of the Cambion Journals) or Kiss of the Succubus (Book 2)You can enter by sending me a personal FB message, or, by clicking on the Rafflecopter option below.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Kiss of the Succubus - Bookmark Tour

Hi there everyone and welcome to day 5 of my Bookmark tour with

Buy the Book Tours.

Yesterday, I had a fantastic time with Authors Café & Paranormal Realms, where we had a review of Kiss of the Succubus itself, and discussed the importance of adding the spice of reality to the paranormal tales we write.

where we'll have a combination of spotlight section plus a review of Kiss of the Succubus, from Authors Café, together with a guest post over at Paranormal Realms, addressing the very real need to make the paranormal worlds we create more "realistic".Although you can see the review of Kiss of the Succubus by following the above link, I hope you don't mind, I thought I'd post it here.*****

What a ride - Action, Adventure, Betrayal and Romance -
Andrew Weston does it again in Kiss of the Succubus {Book #2 of
his Cambion Journals series}!

This book is an excellent example of world-building
gone right. Mr. Weston seamlessly weaves reality with fantasy to produce the
kind of "can't put this book down," fast-paced, original story. If you do have
to reluctantly step away from it, the storyline stays in your head, circling
through your mind, making you feel as if you've left the characters' lives
suspended in time until you can pick the book up again. And his characters are vivid and realistic - They pull you
into the book right from the first page.

I do not post spoilers in my reviews, but
prefer to give my impressions of the book as an avid and widely-read reader.
Needless to say, I enjoyed this book immensely and would highly recommend it to
anyone who loves to read original fantasy.

I'm giving Kiss of the
Succubus a 5 Cup Review!

**I purchased Kiss of the Succubus myself
in order to review it.**

"Thank you" to the Café Review for such a lovely response.Id love to see what see what you think, so please stop by, and don't forget...There's a fantastic giveaway to take part in.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Improving You Craft

I don't know about you, but I'm always on the lookout for articles and blogs that contain advice as to how I can refine my skills as a writer. I've been under contract from the beginning of 2012, but I still feel like an infant on shaky legs who needs the security of a baby stroller.

﻿

﻿

So what do I do as I wade through the many sites offering help? Because as you'll come to appreciate, there are a lot of them out there.
The first thing I'd say is, Don't get put off by the volume. The wealth of information they contain can be turned to your advantage.
How?Do what I do. Skim.
All of us are different, so the help we need - or even want - will vary from person to person.
However, there are some "Bread & Butter" points that must be heeded, especially when those tips are repeated again and again.

Here are some of the *** what I feel to be *** most often repeated slogans you'll see. Therefore, we need to take note of them.

*******

1. Be active, not passive.
One of the most common manifestations of bad writing is overuse of the passive voice. The passive voice makes the object of an action into the subject of the sentence with verb forms like, "X had been attacked by Y." instead of simply putting, "Y attacked X."
Now, using the passive voice isn't always bad. Sometimes there's no other way you can make a clear statement. But wherever you can, follow the rule of activity.
Be honest, what do you feel more comfy reading?
"The blog had been written by Andrew while he was at home." OR, "Andrew wrote the blog while at home."

2. Use strong words.
What do I mean? Good writing is precise. Evocative and thought provoking. Finding the right verb or adjective can turn a coma inducing sentence into a one where the reader catches their breath, and remembers it for years. Look for words that are specific, and try not to repeat the same word over and over, unless you're trying to build a rhythm with it.
But be careful, especially when it comes to dialogue.
Bad writing can be filled with 'he commented." or "she responded." A well placed "he sputtered." or "she gasped." can work wonders, but most of the time, a simple he/she "said" will do. Sometimes, this might feel awkward, but changing things up unnecessarily can make it harder for your reader to get into the back & forth flow of a conversation or exchange.
Remember, when writing dialogue, you want your reader to hear the characters voices, not your own.

3. Cut the chaff.
(Something I had to work hard on when I started out.)
Good writing is simple, clear, and direct. You don't get points for saying in 50 words, what you could have said in 30. Good writing is about using the right words, not filling up the page. It might feel satisfying to pack a whole load of ideas into a single sentence, but the chances are it'll just make it harder to read.
I can relate to this, especially with my Guardian Series that contains many references to technical and scientific jargon. Originally, I tried to convey too much information in the hope it would make things clearer. It didn't. My attempts just brought things to a grinding halt. Thankfully, I have a great editor who isn't afraid to wield the literary knife. With her help I learned - and am still learning - if the phrase doesn't add anything valuable...cut it!

Personal note: For all you newly contracted writers out there...take heed. WORK WITH YOUR EDITOR. They know what they're doing, so trust them. In my case, I've improved a great deal in regards to this personal area of weakness. But it's something I still have to watch carefully. When I've finished my 1st draft, I can still cut up to 3,000 to 4,000 words from a 100K manuscript. Pretty good, eh? I think so too, until my editor (Demon Barber) gets her hands on it, and trims off a further 'X' amount. (Bah humbug!)

4. Show don't tell.
Instead of just sitting your readers down for a long exposition regarding a character's background or a plot point's significance, try to let the reader discover the same ideas through words, feelings and actions. Now, I understand there are times when things will be a little dry. Imitating a press release, for example, captures the mood of what you see in newspapers. But, when it comes to your actual dialogue, applying the advice of this masterly piece of advice is a crucial factor in improving your craft.

5. Break the Rules.
Isn't this a contradiction? No. The best writers don't just follow the rules, they know when and how to break them. If you know being naughty will improve your piece, grow a spine and don't be afraid. Do some research, apply what you learn, and take the plunge. Just ensure your standards are clear elsewhere, so that readers understand what you've done, and appreciate it.

Personal note: I was brave enough to actually do this with the Cambion Journals series. Stay tuned to my blogs next week where I explain the process I adopted to create this series...especially in relation to POV application. It was a huge gamble, but, my homework paid off.
(Look out for the "Buy the Book Tour" starting June 16th where the process is made clear,).

6. Edit...edit...edit.
Don't believe your eyes. EDIT. Even when you've gone over your draft umpteen times. EDIT. Check your manuscript. Check it again. Then do it some more. Editing is one of the most essential parts of writing. Don't rush it. Don't cram it. Don't leave it to someone else. Keep doing it over and over until your brain hurts.
You'll be glad you did.TIP: Some friends of mine use a Google reader to verbalize their manuscripts. Me? I drive my wife crazy by reading out loud the actual words I've written. (She goes nuts when I use silly accents. I don't do it to wind her up, I use them as a concentration aid.) And that's important. Read what's there...NOT what your brain automatically wants to fill in. I've caught so many mind/finger slips this way, that I've made it part of my process. (Despite the danger to my life)

﻿

*******

Anyway. That's it. Nothing fancy, and certainly nothing that's new. This is sage advice. Bread and butter pointers that every writer needs to apply to ensure their craft does what it needs to do...

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Stuck for
ideas?

﻿

No matter how much you love writing, there will always be days
when you need inspiration. In fact, I would argue that inspiration isn’t just a
desirable thing; it’s an integral part of the writing process.

Every writer needs to find inspiration in order to produce fresh
ideas. And sometimes, they can come from the unlikeliest sources.

I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite ways of finding
inspiration — some of them obvious, some of them less so. If you haven’t used a
few of these sources, give them a go.

Blogs. This is one of my favorites, of
course. There are dozens of great blogs on writing and every topic under
the sun. I like to read about what works for others. Now and again, I
discover something totally new, and it inspires me to action!

Books. I’ve confessed this aspect
before. I read authors I love, and then poach good ideas from them. I
analyze their writing. Their way of thinking. How they develop things.
Then I’ll apply it in my own way to help keep the ideas flowing.
Sometimes, I’ll try a genre I don’t normally enjoy, just to branch out into
something different. You might find something that works for you.

Magazines. Good magazines aren’t always
filled with great writing, but you can usually find one good piece of
either fiction or non-fiction. Entertaining for its writing style, its
voice, its rhythm and ability to pull you along to the end.

Movies. Sometimes, while watching a
movie, a character will say something so interesting that I’ll say, “That
would make a great blog post!” or “I have to write that in my writing
journal!” Sometimes screenwriters can write beautiful dialog. Other times
I get inspired by the incredible camera work, or the way a face or the
landscape captured on film. I even get ideas from blending movie themes
together.

Music. Along the same lines, it can be
inspiring to listen to great music. I can’t listen to music while I write,
but I do have it playing in the background while I research. Allow the
tone and mood of what you’re listening to, to lift you up and move you.

Quotes. I don’t know why, but when I see
a great quote, they sometimes help inspire me. I like to go to various
quote sites to find ideas to spark my imagination. Try it, you’ll be
surprised.

Dreams. I have a real knack for this.
I’m also fortunate, in that I can remember and take control of many of my
dreams. However, I only do that from time to time, as its usually best
just to let my unconscious creativity manifest. So, I make it a practice
to keep a dream journal by my bedside to write down what I remember. Not
because I think it’ll tell me something about myself or my future or past,
but because dreams don’t have boundaries. They completely disregard for
the rules of reality, and have an otherworldy
sense I want to capture, especially in my fantasy and paranormal
works.

Writing
journal. I
highly recommend this for any writer. It doesn’t have to be fancy, or
something you write in every day. Just a plain notebook will do. Write down
thoughts and quotes. Snippets and ideas. Phrases or dialog and plot ideas for
new characters.

Poetry. How can poetry inspire prose?
Through its beauty and flow and style and use of rhythm and play on words.
Through its use of language and music. Some of my best short stories
started as poems.

People
watching. This is
an interesting activity for any writer. Go to a busy public place and just
sit and watch people. They’ll amuse you, inspire you, disappoint and fascinate
you. There’s nothing more inspiring than humanity.

So there you go. Just 10 little ideas I’ve found inspiring.
Hopefully, you’ll find something there to motivate you whenever you’re stuck
for an idea and have a blank page to fill.

My latest Blog for Astronaut.com

My Latest Blog For Amazing Stories

The World of The IX Series

About Me

I am a Royal Marine and Police veteran from the UK who now lives on the beautiful Greek island of Kos with my wife, Annette, and our growing family of rescue cats.
As creator of the critically acclaimed IX Series, and Hell Bound & Hell Hounds, (novels forming part of Janet Morris' Heroes in Hell universe), I also have the privilege of being a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, the British Fantasy Society, and the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers.
When not working, I devote some of my spare time to assisting NASA with one of their remote research projects, and supporting charities. I also write educational articles for Astronaut.com and Amazing Stories.
On weekends, you might also find me drinking Earl Grey Tea whilst dressed as Captain Jean Luc Picard.
Make it so...
If you would like to find out more, just follow the links at the top of the page.

The Future of Science Fiction

The IX Series

The Senate & The People of Rome

The IX

International #1 Bestseller

The IX

The IX, an epic novel spanning past, present, and future:The ultimatum:Fight or die.Roman legionnaires, far from home, lost in the mists of Caledonia; a US cavalry company on a special mission for Presidential candidate Abraham Lincoln; and a Special Forces unit from the 21st century, desperate to prevent nuclear catastrophe:Snatched away from Earth at the moment of death to a failing planet far away, these misfit soldiers must unite against a relentless foe, where the cost of victory may be more than they're willing to pay. How far will they go to stay alive?From Perseid Press.

Exordium of Tears

Book 2 of The IX Series

Exordium of Tears

Fight or die.That simple yet brutal reality is the tenet by which the refugees from Earth – including the fabled lost 9th Legion of Rome; the 5th Company, 2nd Mounted Cavalry Unit; and the Special Forces Anti-Terrorist Team – were forced to live by while the Horde menace existed. Believing that the threat is over, thesurvivors now yearn to settle down, start families, and reclaim the lives stolen from them.But such aspirations might remain beyond their reach, for a shadow looms on the rose-tinted horizon of new beginnings.The release of the re-genesis matrix has done much to foster a restoration of exuberance across Arden. Along with a resurgence in floral and faunal diversity comes the results of splicing the Ardenese and human genomes: transmutation. Ametamorphosis of stunning magnitude that not only affects the living, but those still is stasis as well.Recognizing the emergence of a new hybrid species, the Architect – the arcane AI construct tasked with the preservation of the Ardenese race – responds by unlockingpreviously hidden and inaccessible areas of the city. It also releases an archive of sealed state secrets. Such revelations are eagerly perused, whereupon a shocking discovery is made.Prior to the fall, it was common knowledge amongst the Senatum (the highest levels of Arden’s government) that not all the rabid Horde had joined in the rampage across the stars toward Arden.Realizing that the peril still exists, the newly reformed administration elects to respond in earnest. Existing resources are utilized, suitable candidates are chosen, and a flotilla of ships is sent out to secure, quarantine, and reclaim the outer colonies. A mammoth and hazardous undertaking. And nowhere more so than at the planet from where the outbreak was known to have originated – Exordium – for there, the ancient Horde are not only supremely evolved and highly organized, but are capable of a level of lethal sophistication, the likes of which has never been witnessed before.It is into this kiln of incendiary potential that the cream of Arden’s fighting forces is deployed.Worlds are torn asunder, suns destroyed, and star systems obliterated. Yes, tragedy is forged, in a universe spanning conflict which proves once again that…

Death is onlythe beginning of the adventure.

Prelude to Sorrow

The IX Series

Prelude to Sorrow

The task force dispatched from Arden to eradicate the Horde menace failed, and for those few left alive, the tenet by which they have survived for so long resounds as never before.

Fight or Die!

Now marooned, out of time and out of place, the survivors lick their wounds and struggle to recover while the Horde gather their strength for a final strike that will change the course of history forever. The fate of the galaxy – and more – hangs in the balance.

But fate, it seems, isn’t done with the Ninth, and our heroes find themselves forced to mount a last-ditch attempt to end the threat once and for all.

Will the darkness be vanquished, or will our heroes’ efforts finally signal the beginning of the end of their adventure?

The Glorious Ninth

Fight or Die!

Worthy Causes

Leukaemia and Cancer Research

Supported By My Work

Huntington's Disease

Supported By My Work

Defensive Tactics for EMS/Fire

Supported by the Guardians

N N Light Awards 2016

Best Fiction Finalist

Goodreads

Go Vote For My Books Here

The Roundtable Podcast

Condensed insanity for your pleasure

Royal Marines

Devon & Cornwall Police

Arts Illustrated

Gothic Life

The Gothic eZine

Dark Gothic Magazine

Strange Horizons

Fund Drive

NASA

Stardust @ Home Volunteer

Astronaut.com

Fire Asylum Business

Fire Asylum Admissions

Welcome to the Fire Asylum. This is truly a safe place for what the world contends is insane behavior. The activities here are specifically designed with the firefighter in mind. Your training here, or treatment, may seem tough and challenging. Remember that it is for your own good. Here are a few words from our director of activities to inspire your stay.

"In our silent crucible, we are tested by fire. In that place where life can and does change forever, peace is given like a gift to the ones who have endured."

Hell Bound

International #1 Bestseller

Hell Bound

In hell, none of the condemned believes they deserve to be there. And that’s fine, so long as they’re not foolish enough to try and do anything about it. For those that do, there’s always Satan’s Reaper–and chief bounty hunter–Daemon Grim.Feared throughout the many layers of the underverse, no one in their right mind dares to cross him.However, when Grim discovers that someone has attempted to evade injustice, and seems hell-bent on gaining access to ancient angelic artifacts proscribed since the time of the original rebellion in heaven, circumstances point to the fact they may be doing just that.The question is...why?Thus begins an investigation that leads Grim throughout the many contradictory and baffling levels of the underworld, where he unearths a conspiracy that is not only eating its way like a cancer through the highest echelons of Hellion society,but one which threatens the very stability of Satan’s rule.

As you can imagine, Grim’s response is bloody, brutal, and despicably wicked.

Pieces of Hate******************It's sink or swim in this swashbuckling adventure where Daemon Grim, Satan's Reaper, is sent on a quest to recover booty of great value to His Infernal Majesty.But what lurks at the center of Skull Island? Is it truly treasure, or will there be fools gold aplenty in a tale that proves once and for all that, when it comes to burying something in your chest, blood money is the only currency the Reaper recognizes.

Hell Hounds

Coming October 31st

Hell Hounds

Feared throughout the many circles of the underworld, Satan’s Reaper – and chief bounty hunter – Daemon Grim, is known as a true force to be reckoned with.

Having eliminated a major player in the uprising eating its way like a cancer through the underbelly of hell, Grim is stunned to discover he cannot afford to rest on his laurels, for the rebellion runs far deeper than was ever imagined. New players have emerged – denizens with uncanny abilities – who seem determined to support Chopin and Tesla’s revolutionary agenda.

Ever keen to test their mettle, the Sibitti – personified weapons of the ancient Babylonian plague god, Erra – also appear eager to capitalize on the growing unrest, and set about maneuvering events in order to place themselves in direct opposition to Grim’s investigation.

And if that was not cause for concern enough, there’s an insane angel on the loose, a creature as hell-bent on creating havoc as he is to return home.

How do Grim and his rabid pack of bounty hunters respond?

Baying for blood – doesn’t even begin to describe it.

The Perseid Press

Black Gate Fantasy

Amazing Stories

Watch out Hugo Awards - the best 'Fanzine' in the world is back. There's a new 'old' kid on the block

Other Works

You can find more of my work in the following magazines or publications.